By Sharon Wisch-Ray
sharonw@texasjewishpost.com

Rosh Hashanah is in the air — at least at my house — and the sweet smells of chicken soup simmering, stuffed cabbage baking and brisket roasting greeted recent visitors before they hit the door.
This is no doubt one of my favorite holidays, not only because of the vivid memories I have of the amazing women who taught me how to create these mouth-watering holiday aromas, but because of the hope it holds for the future for my family and yours. The idea of clean slates and fresh starts are appealing to me, what with the errors we make at the TJP from time to time and the personal transgressions I’ve made knowingly and unknowingly.
On all accounts, I hope you will accept my sincerest apologies. From the TJP family to yours, we wish you a happy, healthy new year. May you and your family be inscribed for life.

Community Services on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

I recently learned of a couple of synagogues that have limited High Holy Day services open to the community.
Congregation Shearith Israel will host family services at both the Douglas and Levine Academy Campuses (Beit Aryeh) on the first day of Rosh Hashanah.
Rabbi William Gershon, Rabbi Shira Wallach and Rabbi Adam Roffman have developed an innovative new program for the High Holy Days called The Family Service.
The highly interactive 45-minute service is for families of all ages There is no charge for the Family Service, but tickets are required to attend, so please contact the shul at 214-361-6606. Young couples, Bubbies, Zaydies, toddlers, babies and interfaith families, as well as anyone who would like to experience a brief and refreshing spiritual experience that gives joyful new meaning to the prayers and customs of the High Holy Days, are encouraged to attend. The program will also be held on Yom Kippur.
Temple Shalom will host family services open to the community at 5:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 13, 2 p.m., Monday, Sept. 14, 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 22 and 2 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 23. Temple Shalom’s Yizkor Service at 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 22, is also open to the community. No tickets are required for these services; however, a ticket is required to park in the parking lot. Parking is available on the street.

Kort joins Munn & Morris

Munn & Morris Financial Advisors recently announced the addition of Jeff Kort as the newest member of the firm. Jeff comes to the financial planning arena after a successful 24 year career in telecommunications with Sprint as a finance, marketing and sales manager.
Jeff has enjoyed helping Sprint grow by working with teams to improve their performance and support for their customers. Keeping his “manager mentality,” Jeff is now extending his skills to individuals through personal financial planning and wealth management and looks forward to helping clients develop and achieve their specific goals. Those that know Jeff say he is one of the friendliest, most caring people they know.
After graduating from Indiana University with an accounting degree, and beginning his career as a CPA with PricewaterhouseCoopers, Jeff earned a Master’s of Business Administration while working at Sprint, and recently completed a postgraduate certified financial planning program at SMU. Crediting SMU for its training and development, Jeff is eager to provide customized, comprehensive planning, helping each client achieve their unique, specific goals.
When he isn’t working, Jeff enjoys spending time with his family: his wife, Kim, and their two (rival) high-schoolers Dylan and Sydney, at Richardson and Pearce, respectively. While an avid Dallas sports fan, Jeff shifts loyalty only when his hometown Kansas City Chiefs or Royals teams are playing. Jeff is also active at Temple Shalom as a third grade Sunday school teacher, and a co-chair of the 50th Anniversary year of celebrations. Currently, Jeff also serves as treasurer for Boy Scout Troop 444, and volunteers with Snowball Express.
Munn & Morris Financial Advisors is composed of a team of private wealth managers that help individuals manage and coordinate their financial affairs. Jeff said, “Choosing the right firm is as important for an advisor as it is for a client. I was looking for independence, combined with a supportive team approach and robust resources for research and client support. Further, I wanted a firm committed foremost and fully to the best interests of our clients. Munn & Morris is a great fit, and I am excited to join the team.”